STUFFED ONIONS

Stuffed Onions are a savory and satisfying dish that takes the humble onion to a whole new level. The onions are carefully hollowed out and filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. The result is a tender, caramelized onion shell with a deliciously rich and savory filling inside. These stuffed onions can be served as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian meal. They are perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or as a hearty addition to a family meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large yellow onions, peeled and tops cut off (reserve tops)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Onions: Slice the tops off the onions and carefully hollow them out, leaving about a 1/2-inch thick shell. You can use a spoon or a melon baller to remove the inner layers, being careful not to break the outer layers. Chop up the inner onion layers and set aside for the filling.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion layers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed. Gradually add the vegetable or chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not too wet.
4. Stuff the Onions: Carefully stuff each hollowed-out onion with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling inside. Place the stuffed onions in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each stuffed onion and pour a little broth or water into the bottom of the dish to help with steaming.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the filling is golden and crisp on top. For extra color, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Serve: Remove the stuffed onions from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

Stuffed Onions are the perfect combination of tender, savory onions and a rich, cheesy filling. They’re sure to impress at your next dinner gathering or add a comforting touch to any meal!